Panama, Casco Antiguo
Back in 1998 things where quite different in Casco Viejo. It was more Viejo than Casco.
It was a fragile, run down, un protected site most people in Panama (government and
not) had “written off”. Back then, a group of passionate profesionals stood
up and basically made it happen: brought the attention of UNESCO and worked until
this endangered species was protected for life.
One of the most important axis of this petition was Fundacion Calicanto. For years,
they worked very hard to propose a law to protect these wonderful buildings, creating
the foundations for all the appreciation we see today.
Some years have passed and with the buildings protected, Calicanto has changed its
focus towards the human patrimony of the Casco Antiguo. They have great programs we
can all be part of. From trainning women in hotel skills to art courses for children
and urban agriculture, their goal is to attack the roots of poverty through providing
tools to the local population that will enable them to be part of the growth of their
own neighborhood, and through this, revitalize themselves.
Our Casco Viejo is so small and helping is so easy. Making a real difference takes
very little. We welcome you to join the Foundation and be part of their programs.
You can volunteer time or resources… or both!
To contact Heriberto Trejos (Calicanto´s Director) , just write to: fcalicanto@gmail.com
